TotalPraise.net deserves quality time and attention that I just don’t have right now. I have a regular job that I work 9+ hours a day, plus I have several other websites that I try to maintain and keep updated. I had hoped that I could add some staff here at TotalPraise.net, but nobody responded to my requests, not even for the paid positions (See the request for editors). That makes me sad, but it is what it is. So this may be the last post for a while. Hopefully one day I will be able to get back to it with some help, but for now I won’t be able to.

To all my faithful readers, thank you for all the encouragement and inspiration. Those of you who frequent my AGL forum will be able to find me there on a daily basis. Take care and God Bless.

The powerful voice behind many hit songs including the GRAMMY nominated smash “Encourage Yourself”, Jones-Moffett recently inked a solo recording deal with top label EMI Gospel.

“We have loved working with Sheri since Donald Lawrence first introduced her to us as part of The Tri-City Singers a number of years ago – we feel she has been part of our family.” said Ken Pennell President EMI Gospel. “So to collaborate even more closely with her now in her first venture as a solo artist is especially fulfilling.”

The first effort from Jones-Moffett & EMI Gospel is the power-packed album RENEWED. A bold and brash offering that is unapologetically diverse, this vibrant body of work is unlike anything Gospel music has heard in a long while and Moffett’s versatility is evident.

The lead single and title track, “Renewed”, is Moffett’s nod to one of her favorite inspirations – Motown. From the very first guitar lick the groove draws you in, while lyrically it speaks encouragement and renewal – a message that connects with just about anyone. The album features the outstanding pop track “Free Indeed” with an undeniable energetic beat; and “Grace of God,” a gospel ballad that showcases Moffett’s soaring vocals and clear message that reminds us we never walk alone.

Sheri’s mentor, super-producer Donald Lawrence says this of Sheri Jones-Moffett, “Not only am I excited about the anticipated solo release from Sheri Jones-Moffett, I am extremely proud of her growth as a singer, songwriter, music executive, wife and mother! She’s talented and a tremendous jewel for The Kingdom. If life has drained you … get Renewed!”

RENEWED will be available August 11, 2009 at all retail outlets and itunes.

Born in New Jersey and hailing from Sacramento, CA, Watts began singing at the age of six. Her powerhouse vocals and warm bravado have captured the hearts of millions of fans, when she won the American Idol-esque show. Influenced by legends CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant and Shirley Caesar, Melinda shares a love of music and her church.

PEOPLE GET READY is a bright and dynamic album that showcases Watts’ vibrant vocals along with strong contemporary production. The celebratory first single, “So Good,” has already made waves at Gospel radio and is upbeat pop track that absolutely defies you to get up and dance.

Slick grooves, hopeful lyrics, and an exuberant vibe are interwoven throughout PEOPLE GET READY, which recalls other leading ladies of urban gospel like Mary Mary and Kierra Sheard. From the explosive, dance-friendly tracks of “Say Yes,” and “Happy” to intimate worship songs like “Available To You,” a duet with J. Moss, and wonderful rendition of “Faith,” there is no doubt as to why Watts won over judges and audiences alike.

Watts will be set out on a promotional tour this summer in support of the release with stops in New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia. She’s already been chosen to tape an upcoming episode BET’s “LIFT EVERY VOICE,” and will be a part of the Gospel Music Channel’s Gospel Dream 2009 season set to start airing in June.

“I’ve always had a love of music and I have been singing in church my whole life,” Watts explains. “God’s grace brought me here. A lot of faith in God and remembering that it’s okay to dream even when you feel you can’t.”

Watts, a former high school English teacher and active member of her Sacramento community, started the nonprofit organizations Project Sunday and Heaven’s House to address the great need for mentoring and ministering to young women in her community.

SOURCE: CMCentral.com

Dorinda Clark Cole Serving Up Soul On Her Radio Show- At 1800gospel.com

14 Sites For Watching Christian Videos Online- At TheGospelBlog.com

Rev. Clay Evans Preps Final Recording- At GospelLyfe.com

Christian Rap Artists: Don’t Waste Your Life- At BlackChristianNews.com

“As a true fan of their music for many years, this is one of the most exciting signings that I have made in recent years,” said Tommy Couch, President of Malaco Music Group. “I am very honored to bring these two stellar and respected artists to the Malaco Music Group family, and see nothing but a bright and prosperous future ahead. This new partnership represents for us the first of many steps toward building the Malaco Music Group into a major independent leader in the urban music world.”

Lionel Ridenour, Head of Malaco’s Urban Music Department, added: “We are more than excited about our partnership with BeBe and CeCe Winans, we are overjoyed. BeBe and CeCe Winans are international music superstars. They are pioneers of both traditional and contemporary gospel, as well as multi-platinum award-winning R&B music stars. We are very proud that BeBe and CeCe have chosen Malaco Music Group as the home for their new venture B & C Records.”

BeBe and CeCe’s 20 year career in music includes multiple platinum and gold albums in both the Gospel and R&B music genres, 5 Grammys, 8 Doves, more than 12 Stellar Awards, 2 NAACP Awards, 12+ charting R&B singles, and countless #1 Christian and Gospel radio singles.

Their debut self-titled album, released in 1987, nabbed both Grammy and Stellar noms and a Dove Award, only the second Dove Award to be awarded to an African American Group in the category “Group of the Year.” The single “For Always” from the album earned BeBe and CeCe their first Grammy. Their second album, Heaven, was the first Gospel album to reach #1 on the Billboard sales chart and gave us two hit singles, “Lost Without You,” and “Celebrate Life.”

“With the rich heritage of so many great gospel legends, such as the Reverend James Cleveland, The Caravans, The Major Mass Choirs from Savoy and Malaco, we are elated to continue the tradition with superstar artists BeBe and CeCe Winans,” added D. A. Johnson, Malaco Music Group’s Director of Gospel Music.

This long-awaited reunion album is a culmination of gained experiences over the last few years and promises to please the die-hard BeBe and CeCe fans and garner new ones as well.

For more information on Malaco Music Group, contact, Burton Doss, (601) 982-4255, bdoss@malaco.com

This historic event will take place Saturrday July 18, 2009, 6:00pm at the Apostolic Chuch of Morgan Park, 11401 S. Vincennes, Chicago, IL 60643.

Janet Sutton and the Voices of ACME garnered national attention after competing in the 2008 “How Sweet the Sound” choir competition. The 40 plus choir won regionally with the titles of People Choice and Best Overall Choir before going on to win the national title “Best Church Choir in America.”

Tickets are $10 in advance. To purchase advanced tickets please call 773-540-6390 or email themarketingchoice@gmail.com. For media credentials contact Nakita Jackson, 773-540-6390, themarketingchoice@gmail.com

Known for combining the “phat” vocals of the East Coast sound with complex lyrics and captive melodies, Youthful Praise’s trademark sound has continued to earn them industry recognition. With a rich, well balanced sound and an urban “edgy-ness”, YP has delivered yet another album worthy of awards and chart success.

“After nine years & five CD’s, I believe that this is one of the best efforts yet as it relates to YP. JJ has evolved into an authentic artist as well as Worship leader,” shares James Robinson, co-founder of Evidence Records a subsidiary of Gospelflava.com. Robinson goes on to say “He (JJ) understands what God has truly appointed him for. Along with Youthful Praise, JJ has experienced great growth and maturity. Not just in age, but in spirituality as well. The project “Resting On His Promise” is a great representation of what God does in his own timing.”

Special invited gospel mavericks joined YP as they created a worship experience like never before. Special guests included; Dorinda Clark-Cole, Stephen Hurd, Deon Kipping, and Donnie McClurkin, Myron Butler, and Pastor Shirley Caesar.

Still riding the spiritual “high”, from the live recording of their fifth album, YP will be delivering the same energy during their summer tour.

Whether live in concert or on their new project, “Resting On His Promise,” YP fans will discover that the Youthful Praise they have come to love is now better than ever!

To receive updates on YP’s tour schedule please visit www.youthfulpraise.org or www.myspace.com/youthfulpraise.

Evidence Records is in an exclusive partnership with Nashville based Light Records. Light Records, a full service Independent music company, is committed to releasing and offering quality Gospel music. Light Records is home to a diverse group of Gospel artists including Shirley Caesar, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Youthful Praise, Coko, and Paul Porter. You can also visit www.lightrecords.com for more information.

Source: Sonshine Communications

My Life In Ruins is romantic comedy film set amongst the ruins of ancient Greece, starring Nia Vardalos, Richard Dreyfuss, Alexis Georgoulis, Rachel Dratch, Harland Williams and British comedy actor and impressionist Alistair McGowan. The film is about a tour guide whose life takes a personal detour, while her group gets entangled in comic situations among the ruins, with a series of unexpected stops along the way.

Woods’ sophomore release Love Like This streeted last September 9th and has joined the highly merited ranks of her power-packed Gotee Records album Introducing Ayiesha Woods. The debut offering garnered Woods a GRAMMY nomination for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album”, as well as nabbing her an additional nod in the Dove Awards “New Artist of the Year” category. CCM Magazine also followed Woods’ career as one of three emerging musical talents for 2006 in their “Band Wagon” column, and MTVU.com’s URGE service (www.urge.com) picked Introducing Ayiesha Woods in their 2006 TOP 10 year-end list for Inspirational music. Woods, a favorite on the Women of Faith touring circuit, continues to perform throughout this year at festivals and on dates nationwide.

For more information on Ayiesha Woods, check out www.gotee.com or www.myspace.com/ayieshawoods

A host of family, friends, and fans were treated to an exclusive sneak -preview of Bishop Larry D. Trotter’s June 2nd CD and DVD release, I Still Believe, on Tyscot Records.

Bishop Trotter’s newest project wasn’t the only thing that received raved reviews. He personally prepared a number of his signature dishes on the special occasion.

Guests in attendance included fellow Tyscot recording artist VaShawn Mitchell, LeAnne Faine and Ricky Dillard.

“I Still Believe” is Bishop Trotter’s most personal record to date. Similar to the story of JOB, he faced a two-year period of faith-testing hardships that affected nearly every aspect of his life.

“I never thought that people in this day and age could lose so much in a short span of time and it hit me. Here I was: lost my health, went through a divorce, went down financially, had a few struggles at the church… so everything was hitting me at one time,” said Trotter.

Remarkably, it was during this time that he recorded this powerful testament to God’s mercy and grace. “I Still Believe” is Bishop Trotter’s testimony; his personal story of enduring faith in tumultuous times. The lead radio singles, “Made a Way” and the title track “I Still Believe” are already touching listeners all across this nation.

In these times of uncertainty, Bishop Trotter believes that this record delivers a timely a message that will change listeners’ lives and also serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

“You have to trust God,” said Trotter, “you have to trust him even when you can’t trace him. And he proves Himself to us. Things come together when people trust God and I’m a living witness.”

The “I Still Believe” 2-Disc CD set and DVD will be available in stores and online everywhere on June 2nd. (via press release.)

Photos/Source: www.myspace.com/bishoplarrydtrotter